Sam Jones: I am walking the walk on pedestrian/biking path over I-10 bridge

Mobile mayoral candidates Sandy Stimpson and Sam Jones were asked to write 250-word essays about a Press-Register editorial urging the inclusion of biking/walking paths on the proposed I-10 bridge.

Mobile Mayor Sam Jones

As chairman of both the Metropolitan Planning Organization and South Alabama Regional Planning Commission, we recently unanimously, approved a resolution in support of incorporating bicycle and pedestrian lanes into the design and construction of the I-10 Mobile River bridge. The Metropolitan Planning Organization strategically plans and identifies future transportation improvements using state and federal funds.

Please note that under my leadership on the MPO, we solicited the Mobile Area Transportation Study (MATS), a comprehensive and continuous look at ways to improve and expand multimodal transportation options for passengers. In addition, we formed the MPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the Technical Coordinating/Citizens Advisory Committee. These are standing committees that will advise the MPO on future transportation projects. Although the final decision on the bridge will be made by the Federal High Administration and the Alabama Department of Transportation, a positive vote from this panel, will certainly weigh heavily.

This is some of the wording on the resolution "...Therefore, Be it Resolved that the MATS Metropolitan Planning Organization in session this 5th day of June 2013, does hereby express support for bicycle/pedestrian facilities to be included into the design and construction of the I-10 Mobile River Bridge..."

The MPO's decisions are powerful when it comes to determining which projects are funded locally.

There is no doubt a transportation alternative is needed to address the congestion we experience daily going through our tunnels. It is our vision for a city that is people-focused, well designed public spaces and a transportation network between city destinations and urban environment. That vision includes a cycling and walkable-friendly city.